Mr. Denning was born July 26, 1919, at Eddyville, Iowa. He was a master electrician in Moline, Iowa. He was a member of Blue Lodge No. 60, Isis Shrine Legion of Honor, Retired Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and DAV. He was a captain in the Air Force, serving in World War II and the Korean War, with 23 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, E. Aileen; a son, Richard L. Jr. and wife Debra of Jefferson City, Mo.; a brother, Bruce of Springfield, Ore.; two sisters, Louise McQuin of Eugene, Ore., and Elizabeth Halverson of Springfield, Ore.; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Alex and Katherine Denning, of Jefferson City.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401, the Rev. John Pehrson officiating. Inurnment will be later in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church or the Shriner's Hospital.